The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Just thinking about it made Rachel's heart race with excitement.

Joshua's driving skills were beyond anything Stella could have imagined.

When he said a crash could be fatal, he hadn't been joking.

Within moments, their pursuers boxed them in-cars ramming into each other, some erupting in explosions that sent fire roaring skyward.

Thanks to Joshua's remarkable reflexes and steady hands, he managed to take out most of the cars chasing them. But their enemies were out for blood, holding nothing back.

It wasn't long before Stella's car was battered nearly beyond recognition.

Joshua didn't escape unscathed either; he suffered some serious injuries in the chaos.

After they finally dealt with the last of their attackers, Stella let out a shaky breath of relief.

But in that final collision, Joshua had yanked the steering wheel hard to one side, taking the brunt of the crash himself to shield Stella.

The impact sent their car spinning through the air, flipping over several times before slamming down onto its roof.

Stella's car had been modified, its reinforced frame holding up better than most. Between that and Joshua's skill behind the wheel, she escaped with nothing but a few scrapes and bruises.

Joshua, however, was slumped in the driver's seat, unconscious.

Blood trickled down his arm where shards of glass had sliced through his white shirt, turning it crimson. Cuts marred his cheek and forehead, too.noveldrama

Stella tried to rouse him. "Joshua, Joshua, wake up! Please!"

He didn't stir.

The sharp tang of gasoline and the acrid stench of burning rubber filled the air.

A chill shot down Stella's spine.

The car could it catch fire?

Fumbling with trembling fingers, she unbuckled her seatbelt and crawled out of the wreckage.

Her worst fears were confirmed: fuel was leaking, and flames were already licking at the back of the car.

It was on fire.

Any second now, it could explode.

Heart pounding, Stella rushed to Joshua's side, yanked open his door, and reached for his seatbelt.

But the crash had twisted the frame, jamming the buckle in place.

No matter how hard she pulled, she couldn't free him.

Smoke was thickening, heat building

Sund them. Sweat beaded on s brow and trickle neo

falling onto Joshua's face. onto Joshua's face,

His long lashes fluttered. Slowly, his eyes opened.

Relief surged through Stella. “Joshua! You're trapped-try to move, see if you can get free."

He glanced around, the haze in his eyes fading as he took in their predicament.

"You need to get out," he rasped, his voice hoarse from the smoke. "Don't worry about me."

Stella scowled. "Don't be ridiculous. You're only hurt because of me—I'm not leaving you here."

A wry smile flickered on Joshua's lips. "The car's about to blow. It's too

dan "The please, just go. Doet

yourself."

But Stella had no time for arguments.

Frantic, she searched for something sharp to cut the belt. Her gaze landed on the shards of glass scattered at her feet.

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She grabbed the largest piece and began sawing away at the belt, her hands shaking so badly the glass bit into her fingers, staining it with her blood. Red drops slid down her patm, but she barely noticed.

Sweat stung her eyes. Everything blurred, burned, and ached—but she never stopped.